Does outdoor work during the winter season protect against depression and mood difficulties?

Ina H Hahn, Matias Brødsgaard Grynderup, Sofie B Dalsgaard, Jane F Thomsen, Åse Marie Hansen, Anette Kærgaard, Linda Kærlev, Ole Mors, Reiner Rugulies, Sigurd Mikkelsen, Jens Peter Bonde, Henrik Kolstad

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21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

At temperate latitudes, 1-5% of the population suffer from winter depression; during winter, mood difficulties tend to increase but may be alleviated by bright light therapy. Unlike indoor workers, outdoor workers are exposed to therapeutic levels of sunlight during winter. We hypothesized that outdoor work may protect against mood difficulties and depression.
Original languageEnglish
JournalScandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
Volume37
Issue number5
Pages (from-to)446-9
Number of pages4
ISSN0355-3140
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Keywords

  • Denmark
  • Depression
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Mood Disorders
  • Occupational Diseases
  • Seasons

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